11 Woven Pieces To Buy This Spring

I'm a big fan of woven materials and natural textures, so this season's woven accessories trend has me all heart-eyed.

There's something really cool and laid back about the look—it's very reminiscent of summer, the beach... And who isn't relaxed when they're on vacation?

I recently picked up a macrame tote from Shopbop for my trip to Charleston (similar here) and it doubled as my camera bag for the week. It's neutral color and cool texture looks great with any outfit and I can't wait to get more and more use out of it. (How cute would this be as a farmer's market bag?)

I've rounded up my favorite woven pieces in all shapes and sizes so you can get in on the trend: 

Bedroom Refresh

Now that we're getting things packed and ready for our move to Charleston, we've been going back and forth on what things we want to keep, donate or bring some new life into for our new home. Since it's our first time really sharing a place and decorating it together, I thought it was time to give our things a new look. I'm loving the fact that we live by the beach now and can bring in some coastal elements—it makes a lot more sense now.

Here are some bedrooms that are giving me major interior envy and elements that I want to incorporate into our new space:

Image via

Image via

Image via

Shop the Story

Farm to Bottle Skincare from Etta + Billie

That feeling when your skincare routine is on point and you don’t want to change a thing because your skin is glowing. As I make the transition to a more natural skincare routine, I look to brands that use the most natural, effective ingredients possible. I feel like my skin (both face and body) responds well to products with minimal, clean ingredients.

Enter: Etta + Billie. I was immediately drawn to the brand and their adorable packaging—like something you'd see in a very chic, French kitchen. When I learned that the line was inspired by the beauty of food and drink I totally made the connection. 

With the fall season in full swing, there's something so comforting about using luxurious oils and skincare to hydrate your face and body.As the temps cool down, my lips have been craving moisture and the Ginger Orange Lip Balm is everything. My mom wore a lot of ginger-scented products growing up, so I'm instantly reminded of home.

For long days, I love to relax in a warm shower and the Grapefruit Cardamom Body Wash is the perfect pick-me-up. Add in a drop of the Lavender Body Oil and you can make your home feel like a personal spa. (Pro Tip: I love to use this oil on any bug bites or burns. Southern living, y'all.)

What I love even most about the brand? They're committed to sustainable practices—so you can feel good about what you're putting on your body and how it impacts the environment. They're a certified Green Business from San Francisco. 

Shop the full line of products here.

Sweater Weather

I hope you're all having a wonderful week! I am so tired from all of the fun, but I'm excited for the weekend. We had a lot going on this week, so I'm excited to kick back and relax with my feet up and enjoy this wonderful Southern weather.

It might seem strange that I'm posting about sweaters after a week of 90 degree weather, but hey! It’s almost fall, so why not start stocking up on the good stuff? Sweaters are a staple in my closet, they’re the key to the cool months and for braving chilly office temps. 

I have a thing for hunting down knits that make a statement, so I thought I would share a handful that I’ve added to my list. There’s nothing quite like being wrapped up in something cozy, is there? 

I picked up a couple recently to kick off my collection this year, that I can see myself mixing and matching with multiple outfits. I like to invest in 3-5 sweaters every season that are classic and I know will stand the test of time. I don’t bother with anything cheap, because I feel like the quality really shows in sweaters. Pilling is never a good look. My favorite places to look for quality, investment pieces are Net-a-Porter, Everlane, Jenni Kayne, Need Supply, Cuyana and, surprisingly, Zara. You can also find some amazing wool pieces at your local thrift store!

Shop my favorite classic sweater styles (plus a few on-trend) below:

How to Transition Your Straw Accessories Well into Fall

And like that, Summer is over—for most of us anyway. Down in Charleston, we're still enjoying a few late sunsets and endless beach days.

I will say, however, it did feel like this season went by in the blink of an eye. Admittedly, I’m excited to get out my fall favorites—ankle boots, denim jackets and start stocking up on cozy blankets and textiles for the home. But I’m still trying to get some last-minute wear out of my new Summer pieces while I still can.

I recently got a pair of gorgeous rattan slides from Carrie Forbes and I haven’t been able to stop wearing them since. They're the perfect accent to my end-of-summer outfits and looks good with anything, even more structured pieces. It's spurred somewhat of a straw and rattan addiction. I keep spotting woven pieces on Pinterest and while I'm out shopping. I just can’t help myself—I even want to start introducing some rattan into the home!

From hats for you to baskets for your home, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites here.

The List: 5 Trends I’m Most Excited About For Fall

Fall clothes are something I look forward to each year. Even though I'm no longer in school, the season always feels like a time to experiment and reinvent my style. I love chunky knits, perfectly worn-in denim and a solid pair of leather boots. This year, I’m more excited for the shift than ever before. Living in Charleston, our Fall season pretty much extends until Spring. I'm excited to wear my layers without having to hide underneath bulky coats and gloves.

I'm usually one to lean towards neutrals, but for some reason I'm all about color and pattern this fall. I love a pop of cherry red against tan or white. It gives your outfit a punch and personality.

Here are some of the trends I'm most excited to wear this season:

1. Mules—A good slide can make even the most basic outfit feel fresh and fashion-forward. I'm loving a good menswear inspired mule. So chic when paired with a feminine and flirty mini skirt.

height="275px" width="920px" seamless style="border: 0;">

2. Updated Basics—Blazers, plaid, a cashmere tee... I'm all about elevating the everyday basics this season.

3. Florals—I love a good floral for Fall. I'm especially into rich, deep colors and shades that pair equally well with worn in denim.

4. Silk—There's something about silk that feels so elevated and luxe. To me, it screams Fall. I can't wear to layer silk tops with chunky knit sweaters. Something about the juxtaposition of the materials is so cool and effortless. 

5. Rounded Details—Give me all the rounded handle bags and buckles. I'm seriously crushing on all things round this season, bonus points when paired with this season's other trend, polka dots, for maximum impact.

What are you most excited to wear this fall? Browse all my favorites in the shop!

Easy, Elevated Weeknight Swaps

During the week, I like to try and keep things pretty simple. My favorite salad recipe has been on rotation for as long as I can remember. I like to swap out the base for things like kale, mesclun or spinach, but lately I've been feeling a little uninspired. 

Being busy can make you feel like you only have time for takeout or convenience meals, but that's definitely not true. Since we finally started to feel settled in, things are starting to become more routine and I love to cook during the week in our new kitchen. I've been switching things up by making small tweaks to our normal go-to meals to make them feel a little bit more like a treat.

I’ve grown quite fond of swapping out tomatoes in my recipes for radishes. On salads, tacos, sandwiches, they add the right amount of flavor and crunch. It got me thinking about how just a few simple ingredient swaps can take your recipes to a whole new level.

SIMPLE CAESAR SALAD FOR  2 PEOPLE

2 tbsp homemade caesar dressing
1 lemon (squeezed)
1 tbsp manchego cheese
2 cups romaine or mesclun
1 baby radish
1/4 cups croutons

OTHER SWAPS I’M CURRENTLY LOVING RIGHT NOW

swap: homemade pesto (on pasta, pizza and wraps—it's the best-o!) in lieu of tomato sauce
swap: manchego cheese in place of parmesan
swap: white bean hummus for mayo
swap: sweet potato for chicken (it makes amazing tacos!)
swap: quinoa for oatmeal—it's packed with protein and healthy carbs to keep you full
swap: coconut oil for olive oil adds a bit of flavor and has a higher smoke point

What are your go-to weeknight meals? I'd love to know!

On My List

With Summer coming to a close, I've been feeling a bit bored with my wardrobe. The Charleston heat isn't for the faint of heart and I've been living in cut offs and tees to stay cool. What I'm looking forward to most is the Indian Summer that seems to last well into Winter. That means I can get much more wear out of my favorite pieces, from statement blouses to open-toed shoes. 

Right now, I'm gravitating towards jewel-toned pieces mixed in with neutral tones and materials. Pieces that stand out, but are still classic if you know what I mean.

Shop the Post

01. Blouse―Ulla Johnson / 02. Sandals―Ganni / 03. Scarf―Janessa Leone / 04. Perfume―Byredo / 05. Jeans―M.I.H. / 06. Anklet―Ariel Gordon / 07. Mules―Robert Clergerie

My Favorite Cookbooks

I love to cook and create new recipes, but there's always been something I admired about cookbooks. The glossy photos, chef's notes and inspiration that comes from that connection to food. Sometimes I'll add my own spin to the recipe, which makes it even better.

I've owned and started to collect countless cookbooks over the years. Whenever I travel, I love to pick one up that features recipes that originated from the location. It's a cool way to take a bit of the culture home with me. 

Here are the seven that I turn to time and again for countless recipe ideas:

1. The Kinfolk Table—This cookbook puts the emphasis on the relationships that surround eating, rather than focusing on the food itself. It's filled with the gorgeous, magazine-like photography you're used to seeing in a Kinfolk publication. It's an eclectic mix of recipes and stories collected from around the world.

2. Tacos: Recipes and Provocations—I adore Mexican food and tacos are one of the most quick and easy things to make for a weeknight dinner. This cookbook takes the art of the taco one step deeper. Highlighting innovative ways to create the perfect tortilla, how to master the perfect salsa and eclectic flavor profiles, this cookbook proves that tacos can be more versatile than you think.

3. It's All Good—This happens to be my favorite of the list. Every recipe is filled with good-for-you ingredients and is so simple to make. I absolutely love everything I've made from this book. It's perfect if you're looking for healthier alternatives to your favorites, without sacrificing flavor. (And it's Gwyneth-approved, naturally.)

4. Twenty Dinners—This cookbook is all about gathering at the table with friends and family. (Are you noticing a trend here?) I love the family-style portions, crisp photography and how every recipe is divided into seasons so you can make the most of what's fresh.

5. Mexico from the Inside Out—A sophisticated take on traditional Mexican recipes, this cookbook is fueled by the country's culture and history. It has over 65 recipes from easy to more advanced and is perfect for people who enjoy cooking and consuming Mexican cuisine. 

6. Hartwood—Another Mexican-inspired favorite, Hartwood takes recipes from the famed Tulum restaurant and brings them into your home. It's perfect for those who are gluten- and dairy-free, as the recipes don't rely heavily on those ingredients but are still full of flavor. 

7. Everything I Want to Eat: Squirl and the New California Cooking—Squirl's Jessica Koslow is another restauranteur turned author. Her famous Southern California spot is the best place to grab a healthy meal with exciting flavor combinations. She only uses real food, nothing processed, to make her vibrant creations. This cookbook is quirky, unique and bold—just like Squirl.

Shop more of my favorite cookbooks and tools: